17 killed as Arab coalition forces storm rebel sites in Yemen

The air forces of the Arab coalition have launched onslaughts at a number of sites held by the rebels -- Houthi militias and pro-Saleh forces -- in governorates of Sanaa, Taiz, and Al-Bayda on Sunday, killing a dozen of the militias.

The Yemen resistance forces and national army also engaged with the rebels in some northern governorates of Yemen.

The air sorties of the Arab coalition pounded some key sites where Houthi militias and forces loyal to ousted president Ali Abdullah Saleh had taken shelters at Al Nahdain mountain and presidential place in Sanaa. The air force launched extensive air strikes at the Camp 26 at Al Sawadiya neighborhood in Al-Bayda governorate.

The air strikes targeted storehouses of the electricity authority at Al Hudaida governorate that had been used by Houthi militias to stash weapons and ammunitions. Another military site of Houthi and Saleh forces in Al Jawf governorate, east of Yemen, has been bombed as well.

According to reliable information, a total of 17 Houthis militias and pro-Saleh forces were killed, and ten others were injured in shootout at Al Wazi'iyah district, west of Taiz.

The Arab coalition forces have stepped up its strikes at the Red Sea western coastal city of Mocha, Taiz, in a primary step to be liberated from the grip of the rebels. The bombardment coincided with the arrival of further military support to the Arab coalition and national Yemeni military so as to gain control on Mocha city.

The joint Arab forces been making made steady progress at different areas in governorate of Taiz, and managed to exercise control on strategic Mushref mountain at Al Wazi'iyah district, west of the city, following fierce confrontation with the Houthi militias and forces loyal to ousted president Saleh -- a matter, which would lessen the possibility to the rebels to make an advance towards governorate of Lahij in the south.

Meanwhile, children and human rights activists staged a protest rally against the crimes perpetrated by the Houthi militias and Saleh forces, who used to bomb and shoot at them by snipers. The demonstrators also slammed the world for keeping silent and tightlipped towards the crimes committed by Houthis militias and Saleh forces against innocent civilians in Taiz governorate.

Children, during the protest rally, called upon the United Nations Human Rights Council and countries they think still respect humans to stand with children of Taiz, who are at stake of being killed by the heavy and medium weapons of the rebels. Add to that the blockade that has never been witnessed in the world before as rebels prevent food, medicines, and water to get access to the city of Taiz.

The Yemen Vice President and Head of the government Khaled Bahah has blamed the Houthis group and forces of ousted president Ali Abdullah Saleh for moving the terrorist groups by a remote control, and being behind the suicide blasts that targeted the interim premises of the Yemeni government and the barracks of the Arab coalition forces a few days ago, which have been claimed by terrorist group Daesh.

Meanwhile, Bahah unveiled a plan to enhance and develop the city seaport and airport with Arab support. He said: "One of the key files that will be reviewed very shortly is security, and forging a real force to safeguard city of Aden."

He said to begin with this file was delayed due to being busy with the recent military operations in Bab Al Mandab.

Bahah's statements on Sunday coincided with a decision made by legitimate president of Yemen AbdRabo Mansoor Hadi, who ordered forming a brigade for Special Forces and Counterterrorism.